FL. INS. REFUSES TO COVER WLS

Hi everyone, Is anyone else caught up in the recent denial of insurance companies here in Fl to cover WLS??? I have three doctors letters backing my surgery, for my health, and I have been denied. I am so very frustrated. How can they legally do such a thing? They are now stating it is elective surgery! What can we do? I sure would appreciate any input. Thanks and God bless! Sheila Isaacs

Sheila, Do you have Blue Cross/ Blue Shield of Florida? They are the only company I know of that has point blank refused to pay for WLS in Florida. You need to get a lawyer. Talk to Gary Viscio. He posts on this board, and is post op himself. Good luck, Roberta

Hi Roberta, Thank you for responding! No, I do not have BC/BS. Believe it or not I have United Healthcare!!! They used to be the best. My company checked and was told that all the ins. companies are palnning to follow suit and classify WLS as ELECTIVE!!! I am so upset by all this. There is a clause in my ins. stating NO HELP AT ALL FOR OBESITY PERIOD! I have three doctors letters backing my having the surgery, stating that it is medically necessary but Aetna and UHC both said NO. I have been so bummed. Have a great day, and God bless, Sheila

It is an exclusion based also on your employers standards. I have Cigna and they told me at first it was an exclusion. They looked up my insurance and stated that the company actually stated that they approve it based on medical necessity.